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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 16, 2023 16:04:58 GMT -5
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 16, 2023 18:35:14 GMT -5
Duplicate station codes (i.e. 1L6) should not be a major problem now, since I can add a longitude test that will select from the duplicates, depending on your location.
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Post by mrcapitalism on Apr 16, 2023 18:43:13 GMT -5
Are they geographically separated? Perhaps just a distance check to both, then select the closer one? Or perhaps the longitude test is easier?
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 16, 2023 18:50:17 GMT -5
The IL6 stations are in the Aleutians, South China Sea, and the UK. The first two are closer in latitude but obviously separated by enough distance that they don't interfere. I've only tested the Aleutians vs UK versions, but I think the longitude test should work for all. It's simpler than having to use GPS variables to get a distance. Hopefully that will work for any other duplicates as well (i.e. IL7). I can always add a latitude check for North/South variations in addition to the longitude test to really narrow it down if required.
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Post by awralls on Apr 17, 2023 3:10:51 GMT -5
Tom,
Could I get my hands on the gauge? Also, any idea if it works in FSX?
I’d be more than happy to add other stations; I provided similar information to the author of the expanded A2A HFDF gauge.
Cheers,
Andy
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 18, 2023 17:18:48 GMT -5
I will have the gauge ready for beta testing soon (hopefully, still tweaking!). It will include from the 1954 map all the Atlantic stations and the Aleutians. The rest can be added later.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 23, 2023 16:02:04 GMT -5
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Post by awralls on Apr 24, 2023 1:28:53 GMT -5
Great news about FSX ,Tom. I'll be happy to continue testing and reporting. As a matter of interest, what is involved in adding to the station data?
Andy
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 24, 2023 9:36:36 GMT -5
To add a station pair there is a section that needs to be added to one of three XML files, and edited with the proper lat/lon values and station names. If you have a LORAN chart you also have to match three values to the chart, otherwise you can easily calculate “default” values. Then the other two files need to be edited to add this new station pair to the allowed listing and the station names actually displayed. Finally it needs to be tested in FS to ensure it is delivering reasonable results. If I already have the information it takes me about 15 minutes per station including debugging.
If this is a duplicate station to one already entered then latitude tests need to be coded to switch between them, something I probably need to do.
Alpha testing is continuing, Jorge is helping with that now. Still adding things, but beta test soon. I don’t want to add more station data at this point, in case the format changes. 😎
Take care,
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Post by awralls on Apr 24, 2023 10:33:02 GMT -5
Is Magvar an issue at all, given how different it is now to how it was 70 years ago?
Andy
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 24, 2023 11:11:12 GMT -5
No not at all, no headings are given. All calculations are based on lat/lon, which don't change.
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Post by mrcapitalism on Apr 26, 2023 19:13:28 GMT -5
Tom,
Using the website historicalcharts.noaa.gov/search.php I'm able to find a series of charts titled "San Diego to Aleutian Islands and Hawaiian Archipelago" Chart number 9000. This covers basically all of the north eastern Pacific Ocean for LORAN Signals. The available dates are '49,'50, and '65, so missing the years in question. But if we can assume the chains didn't move in the next 6-10 years these should be usable.
I think for myself, I would prefer to attempt interpreting the signals and using the charts. I imagine my workflow would be Receiver>Time Delay>Vintage Chart>Position>Current Chart/Electronic(Skyvector etc)>PIC Decision>Repeat...
It would be nice if these charts could be bundled into a single resource for those that want them. I believe the historical charts website will give us sufficient coverage for the CONUS and Alaska, but all that's missing is the Western Pacific/China/Caribbean.
Would like to hear your thoughts.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 26, 2023 22:25:23 GMT -5
Wow, great find. To find them just search for Chart: 9000. The 1965 map has all the stations from the 1954 map so that’s probably best. Some of the stations have been renamed (I.e. 1L2 has become 1L6, etc.) but that won’t affect the use of the chart. Just create a conversion table to relate to the 1954 chart displayed by the gauge. I’m not sure how this matches with the chart we already have for the northeastern Pacific, but I’ll check if they are compatible. I don’t think we have a chart that covers the entire European chain yet, only the North Atlantic part. But we’re getting there!
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 26, 2023 22:33:22 GMT -5
The historical maps site says they are free to download and use as one likes. They do ask for a credit, though. They do have direct download links so those can be listed in the LORAN manual, rather than offering copies ourselves.
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Post by Tom/CalClassic on Apr 26, 2023 22:37:07 GMT -5
And I hope to make the gauge usable by referring to the charts. It seems to work pretty well in a few quick tests, but that will be a job for the beta testers. It will never be as accurate as reading the displayed lat and lon, but I think it will get you within a few miles once the time delay numbers entered for the stations is tweaked to fit the charts.
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